KSA and Roda JC Kerkrade Collaborate to Study Sports Betting Among Young Adults
Introduction to the Collaboration
The Dutch Gaming Authority, known as Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has joined forces with the professional football club Roda JC Kerkrade to investigate the betting habits of younger adults in the Parkstad area. This partnership aims to gain insights into how sports betting is perceived and engaged with by the youth in this region.
Purpose of the Research
KSA has launched a comprehensive study to explore sports betting behaviors among young adults. The findings will help determine if there is a need for increased awareness campaigns to discourage gambling among this demographic and combat its normalization.
Roda JC’s Unique Role
Notably, Roda JC stands out as the only Dutch football club that has consciously refused sponsorship from sports betting companies. The club believes that gambling conflicts with their core values and their goal of positively impacting their community. This shared commitment to promoting responsible attitudes towards betting makes the partnership with KSA a natural fit.
Focus and Timeline of the Study
The study will examine several key aspects, including the frequency of sports betting among young adults in Parkstad and surrounding areas, their spending habits related to betting, their perceptions of sports betting, and any misconceptions they may hold about gambling.
Scheduled to take place between November and December 2025, the research results are anticipated to be released in early 2026. Following this, KSA and Roda JC plan to continue their cooperation with initiatives based on the study’s outcomes.
Future Education and Awareness Campaigns
The insights gathered will serve as a foundation for future educational programs and communication strategies aimed at raising awareness. These programs will highlight the potential risks involved in betting, the dangers of heavy financial losses, and the influence of peer pressure on young adults.
Addressing the Social Pressure to Bet
Jordens Peters, the general manager of Roda JC, emphasized the challenge posed by the social pressure surrounding sports betting among young people. He pointed out that participating in betting activities often feels like a social expectation, which is a significant issue in the Dutch market.
He views the collaboration with KSA as a crucial step towards gaining important understanding and creating initiatives that can effectively tackle problem gambling.
KSA Leadership’s Perspective
Michel Groothuizen, the chair of KSA, expressed strong support for working with Roda JC, praising the club as a dependable and influential partner. He highlighted the importance of this project in understanding how younger individuals experience sports betting, which will be essential for shaping future policies and education efforts.
